The Editor, Sir:

I am outraged at statements made by former president of the National Democratic Movement, Hyacinth Bennett, which mischievously suggest, that Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller's use of the number 7, is bordering on superstition and the occult.

The PNP president and Prime Minister has never been shy about expressing her Christian beliefs. In addition to which, most Jamaicans embrace her honesty and have no problem with her using a number with great significance in the Bible.

It is unfortunate that Mrs. Bennett would diminish something that was said with clean hands and heart and liken it to the occult. It is also dishonest of her, to suggest that the Most Honourable Prime Minister, is compelling the nation to worship at the shrine of numerology.

I want it clearly understood that the Prime Minister recognises the right of everyone to their beliefs, Christian or otherwise. The Prime Minister has the right to and will continue to speak about her belief in and love of God and her reliance on His guidance, as she works to give every single Jamaican an equal opportunity to better their lives.

Mrs. Bennett also seems to have forgotten that the Prime Minister has the prerogative to call the election at the appropriate time, as long as it falls within the time prescribed under our constitution.

Mrs. Bennett would better serve the people, if she uses valuable airtime and newspaper inches, to encourage Jamaicans to love each other and ensure that we have a free, peaceful and fair election, instead of trying to tear down others.

I am, etc.,

DONALD BUCHANAN

General Secretary

People's National Party